Job Description:

Purpose of Role

The Paraplanner produces high-quality technical research, analysis and suitability reports that support Elevation's advisers in delivering the right outcome for every client — across the full range of case complexity, from straightforward, desk-based advice through to complex, bespoke planning.

Working closely with advisers and under the guidance of the Senior Paraplanner / Technical Team Lead, the Paraplanner takes the adviser's instruction — reflecting the client's needs, objectives and agreed course of action — and carries out the technical research, analysis and report production needed to evidence a compliant, good outcome in line with Consumer Duty.

As the team grows, Paraplanners are expected to build technical depth and take on increasing case complexity over time, supported by structured mentoring and development from the Senior Paraplanner / Technical Team Lead.

Key Responsibilities

1. Paraplanning & Technical Delivery

• Client instructions: receive clear instructions from advisers following client meetings, setting out the client's needs, objectives and agreed course of action, to work from in producing the technical solution.

• Research and analysis: undertake research and analysis — drawing on the firm's Central Investment Proposition (CIP) and approved product/platform panels wherever appropriate — to identify solutions that meet the adviser's instruction, using the firm's nominated technical tools (e.g. research and analysis, risk-profiling and cashflow modelling tools).

• Report production: consolidate the recommended solution into a suitability report, clientspecific illustration and key features document; obtain supporting quotations and check valuations and summaries as required.

• Product and technical knowledge: maintain working knowledge of platform and non-platform investment and pension products (including SIPPs and SSASs), CIP/panel-approved solutions, and the wider group's estate planning services; keep up to date with relevant product, legislative and technical change, escalating complex or unfamiliar queries to the Senior Paraplanner / Technical Team Lead.

• Systems: maintain confident, up-to-date use of the firm's back-office/CRM system and other nominated technical tools, adapting as these are updated from time to time — specific systems and tools in use will be confirmed by the Senior Paraplanner / Technical Team Lead.

• Case administration: prepare and maintain compliant client files ready for review; run a comprehensive diary and notes system for each piece of business; process new business, applications and policy variations; produce correspondence in response to customer and provider queries; and monitor DFM performance as directed.

2. Client Outcomes & Regulatory Conduct

• Suitability and Consumer Duty: ensure suitability reports and technical outputs clearly evidence that recommendations are appropriate to each client's objectives, risk profile, capacity for loss and personal circumstances, and support delivery of the four Consumer Duty outcomes — product/service design, fair value, clear communication and appropriate support.

• Professional standards: deal with clients, advisers and colleagues in a professional and courteous manner at all times.

• Compliance: comply with the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, relevant FCA rules, and the firm's compliance, Treating Customers Fairly, Training & Competence and financial crime (anti-money laundering, data security, anti-bribery, fraud and corruption) procedures.

• Knowledge, conduct and competence: meet the knowledge and competence standards set out in the firm's Training & Competence scheme, recognise the distinction between information and advice, and understand conflicts of interest and the firm's gifts and inducements policy.

• Training and CPD: complete all mandatory staff training and periodic compliance testing within required timescales (including cyber security, data protection/GDPR, financial crime, anti-money laundering, anti-bribery and corruption, and supporting clients in vulnerable circumstances), and maintain an accurate personal CPD record.

3. Personal & Professional Development

• Development: maintain the requisite knowledge, technical skills and qualifications for the role, working towards relevant professional qualifications (e.g. Diploma in Financial Planning) as appropriate; engage fully with mentoring, coaching and structured development from the Senior Paraplanner / Technical Team Lead, and take ownership of closing identified skills gaps.

• Wider contribution: undertake project or ad-hoc client work as directed by the Senior Paraplanner / Technical Team Lead or Leadership team.

Key Relationships

• Senior Paraplanner / Technical Team Lead (line manager)

• Financial Advisers and Account Executives/trainee advisers

• Client Servicing Team

• Operations

• Compliance and the T&C Manager

Person Specification

Essential

• Prior paraplanning or technical administration experience within financial services, or a strong working knowledge of financial planning concepts, products and strategies.

• Good numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret client data and translate it into a clear written recommendation.

• Strong written communication skills, able to produce clear, jargon-free suitability reports.

• Confident using IT systems, with the ability to learn and adapt to new technical tools (e.g. back-office/CRM systems, research and analysis tools, risk-profiling and cashflow modelling software).

• Well organised, with good attention to detail and the ability to manage a busy workload against deadlines.

• A collaborative approach, comfortable working closely with advisers and escalating technical queries where needed.

• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment that's continually evolving.

Desirable

• Progress towards, or achievement of, the Diploma in Financial Planning (DipFA) or equivalent.

• Experience with platform and non-platform investment and pension products, including SIPPs and SSASs.

• Experience of cashflow modelling and more complex case work (e.g. IHT, CGT, bonds, estate planning).

Working Arrangements

Offices are based in London and Birmingham, with the main Paraplanning hub located in Birmingham (postcode B35). Own transport is advisable: the office is not within easy walking distance of Birmingham New Street, and public transport requires a change — the nearest local station is roughly a 20-minute walk from the office, with a short onward connection into Birmingham New Street station.

Full-time. Flexible working arrangements (e.g. hybrid working, flexible hours) will be considered in line with firm policy and the operational needs of the role.